Bush Radio 89.5 fm is the Mother of Community Radio in Africa. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Bush Radio exists with the sole purpose to uplift, develop and educate the communities it serves. To find out more about Bush Radio go to www.bushradio.co.za, where you can also listen on-line.
Please share your comments on our news: feedback@bushradio.co.za

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Crime prevention operations in the province prove successful

By Ofentse Mokae31 January 2010

Crime prevention initiatives by Western Cape police continued to intensify its grip on crime through to ensure the safety and security of communities.

Police arrested 22 of the most wanted suspects in the Western Cape for various serious crimes.

These include three armed robberies, one Cash-in-transit heists, six House robberies, nine Business robberies and three Car hijackings.

“We also executed successful crime prevention operations in several Policing Clusters in the Western Cape which started Friday afternoon until early this Saturday morning,” said spokesperson Inspector November Filander.

DA raises concerns on irregularities within RTMC report

The official opposition party the Democratic Alliance has revealed that it received a confidential Road Traffic Management Corporation audit report unpacking serious irregularities.

The confidential financial audit was completed in September last year by accounting firm Deloitte and Touche and the party says it is calling for a full investigation.

The DA said the report reveals a lengthy list of a problematic state of affairs at the Road Traffic Management Corporation.

Amongst them is the approval of salary increases apparently without limits, a lack of controlling the organisation’s budget and serious mismanagement of the traffic violation database on the eNaTIS system.

The opposition party said allegations of poor management against the corporation’s CEO Ranthoko Rakgoale surfaced last year, but said no action was taken despite calls for a full investigation.

The DA said the report is more proof of irregularities at the corporation and is calling for Rakgoale to be suspended pending a full enquiry.

”In light of this report, supported by other information revealed by whistleblowers and obtained from the annual report, the DA will be writing to the Public Protector to ask for an investigation into the board,” DA’s Stuart Farrow.

Farrow says the report serves as yet more proof that the CEO of the RTMC must be investigated.

“This is an overwhelming indication that the ANC continues to be a closed, crony society intent on protecting its members from prosecution for self-enriching themselves with public funds,” concluded Farrow.

President’s sex life under fire

By Ofentse Mokae 31 January 2010

Following media reports about the alleged fathering of a three month old baby by President Jacob Zuma, the opposition came strongly against his behavior describing it as an undermine to the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

A Sunday publication reported that Zuma fathered a child with the daughter of powerful soccer administrator and long-time friend, Irvin Khoza making him(Zuma) a proud dad of twenty children.

It is alleged that Sonono Khoza, a 39-year-old divorcée gave birth to Thandekile Matina Zuma in October last year, just three months before the president took the wedding vow for the fifth time.

DA leader Helen Zille says the OneLove Campaign promoting safe sex, the use of condoms, and attitudes that diminish the chance of having unprotected sex with multiple partners is the clear and unequivocal message that the government is trying to convey to the South African electorate.

“It sits in stark contrast to the behaviour, and it would appear attitude, of the South African president,” Zille says.

Zille says some may argue that Zuma’s sex life is a matter of private morality or “culture”, but this is not so as his personal behaviour has profound public consequences.

She says Zuma himself acknowledged as much by apologising to the nation for having unprotected sex, following his rape trial, and by undertaking to change his ways.

He said at the time: “I wish to state categorically and place on record that I erred in having unprotected sex. I should have known better and I should have acted with greater caution and responsibility.”

Zuma is engaged to 45-year-old Gloria Bongekile Ngema, with whom he has one child, and has an adult son with Minah Shongwe.

ACDP hails project to cease abortion

By Ofentse Mokae31 January 2010

With Sanctity Life Sunday being celebrated today, the African Christian Democratic Party is highlighting a project which has allowed women in the United States to choose not to terminate their pregnancies after seeing live scans of their babies in the womb.

The ACDP’s Cheryllyn Dudley says through the Ultrasound Option Project, mothers and fathers have chosen to face perceived hardships, yet continue with the pregnancy.

“Answers to surveys show that 60% of women are coerced, 70% of women who have had to abort their babies say they feel abortion is immoral and 80% of them said they would have chosen life if supported by family, friends or others, which adds up to a lot of sadness and guilt,” said Dudley .

The ACDP is soon to present legislation to amend the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Bill.

“This is to ensure pregnancy termination takes place at facilities with counselling providing full opportunity for discussion and questions having observed live ultrasound pictures of the foetus to enable truly informed consent,” added Dudley.

The party says it recognises the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death.

Cwele called to quit his position

Congress of the People has called on State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele quit his position.

This follows as COPE puts it, shocking revelations that Cwele’s wife was arrested on yesterday on drug related charges.

COPE’s Phillip Dexter says in a statement that what is even more disturbing is the possibility that Cheryl Cwele may have used her husband's position in the Cabinet to gather intelligence to cover up her wicked activities.

“The fact of the matter is that the security of the state has been compromised. Minister Cwele can surely no longer hold a position of such vital importance based on the charges pending against his wife,” Dexter says.

Dexter further went on to say it is unacceptable that this situation has occurred saying all Cabinet Ministers and their immediate family, including spouses, are subjected to high scrutiny.

“How is it possible that this could have slipped through the cracks? This clearly shows that, as with the activities of other senior ANC leaders, there has been a cover up, and that the security of the state has been severely compromised by criminal elements” adds Dexter.

COPE believes this does not bode well for the image of South Africa in the year of the 2010 World Cup, a target that would be the jewel in the crown of terrorist and criminal enterprises.

“Minister Cwele must disclose what he knew about his wife's criminal activities and resign. Failing which, the executive must to the honourable thing and fire him,” concluded Dexter.

Student fatally wounded in armed robbery

A male student from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (formerly Cape Technikon) was shot and killed during an armed robbery at the corners of High and Searl Street in Woodstock yesterday.

Woodstock police say it is alleged that a male suspect confronted three boys, aged between 14 and 16 at gunpoint at Melbourn Street where he robbed them from their cellphones.

The suspect then moved to the corners of High and Searl Street where he tried to rob a male student but fatally shot him through his neck and head, he died on the scene with his cellphone still in his hand.

“The suspect then went further down in Searl Street and under a bridge, he robbed two (2) more women from their cellphones,” says spokesperson Inspector November Filander.

Filander says the suspect fled the scene on foot and is still at large.

“We opened charges of armed robbery and murder,” Filander added.

The identity of the student cannot be released yet as the family of the deceased is still to be informed.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents or who can assist the police on the whereabouts of the suspect can contact Woodstock detective, Inspector Miles on 0824698468 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.

Special ad hoc committee aims to overhaul public service delivery

A special Ad hoc committee in parliament’s National Assembly established to conduct oversight visits on service delivery, will next week kick-start its nation-wide public hearings.

The hearings are aimed at finding out more about progress in service delivery.

The committee, which was set up in September last year under the theme “Working together to ensure the delivery of quality services to communities” will use the hearings to also find out about Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department’s turnaround strategy.

In a press statement committee chairperson Lechesa Tsenoli said now that the department has completed its strategy they will be going to establish what processes are underway.

“We will seek feedback on the strategy and the readiness of the municipalities,” Tsenoli said.

The two month long hearings draw members from various portfolio committees including social development, basic education and health amongst others and will be conducted in all nine provinces.

Last year saw a wave of protests that erupted in townships across South Africa over shoddy housing and public services, adding to pressure on President Jacob Zuma to deliver on promises to fight poverty.

State Security Minister under fire

State Security Ministry's petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal to overturn a decision to compel former national intelligence coordinator Barry Gilder to testify in Selebi's trial has been dismissed.

Minister Siyabonga Cwele wanted to prevent Gilder from taking the stand against Selebi.

Meanwhile, the Congress of the People has called on Cwele to disclose what he knew about his wife's alleged criminal activities and resign.

Cheryl Cwele was arrested yesterday on drug related charges.

Cope spokesperson Philip Dexter wants to know how she had slipped through the cracks as all Cabinet ministers and their immediate family are subjected to rigorous background checks.

One person dies and more than twenty injured in three separate road accidents

By Ofentse Mokae30 January 2007

One woman died after the Nissan Sentra she was driving collided into the side of a Mercedes Sprinter, at the intersection of the R102 and Macassar Road, in Firgrove this morning.

ER 24 spokesperson Tristan Wadely say there were numerous occupants in the sprinter but nine were taken to Vergelegen Medi-Clinic by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances.

One patient sustained serious injuries and the remaining patients sustained minor to moderate injuries. The deceased lady is believed to be the only occupant of the Sentra.

Meanwhile six people were injured when the taxi they were travelling in overturned.

The incident happened at the intersection of Modderdam Road and Belrail Road in Bellville at around 15h00.

Wadely says the patients sustained minor to moderate injuries.

It is believed that a tyre burst on the vehicle which caused it to overturn.

“The second incident occurred at the intersection of Racecourse Road and Chukker Road in Lansdowne at around 17h20. Eighteen people sustained minor to moderate injuries when a taxi and BMW collided,” Wadely said.

Women must make inroads in construction

Deputy Minister of Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu has encouraged women contractors to make their mark in the industry.

Bogopane-Zulu is quoted as saying South Africa is a country that is transforming and every industry, including construction, should be part of that change.

She said her department was doing its bit too and putting together plans to establish a gender unit to help in understanding what it is that needs to be done differently and address issues such as the expectations of women in the industry.

The minister further challenged the women contractors to ensure that they get a slice of the R800 billion allocated by government for infrastructural development for the next three years.

A representative from South African Women in Construction, Kile Kwinana, said that while South Africa had won the battle of apartheid, the country was now facing the battle of sexes.

Bogopane-Zulu added that construction workers should take part in the Kharikhude campaign which teaches adults to read and write to that they can be part of building a better South Africa.

Fuel prices to increase next week

The Department of Energy has confirmed that the retail price of all grades of petrol will increase by 18 cents a litre next week.

The wholesale price of diesel will rise by 10 cents a litre while illuminating paraffin goes up by five cents a litre.

The Department says for the period December 31 to January 28 the average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased and the rand/US dollar exchange rate strengthened when compared to the previous period.

Scholar stabbed on train in Mandalay

By Kim Saulse29 January 2010

Three scholars are being sought by police in the Mandalay area after a 17 year old was stabbed and a security guard shot this morning.

Police spokesperson Inspector Ian Williams says it is alleged that the three schoolboys accosted the schoolboy on a train at the station where they stabbed him in his left upper arm and jumped out of the train.

“When a security guard saw them jump out of the train, he pursued them,” says Williams.

The scholars took out a firearm and fired several shots at the security guard, injuring him in his stomach.

Both the security guard and the 17 year old schoolboy are in a stable condition in hospital.

The suspects are still at large.

Anyone with information on the suspects whereabouts is requested to contact Mitchells Plain police station on (021) 370 1732 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Two suspects killed a learner in Du Noon High School

A grade 11 pupil of Inkwenkwezi High School in Du Noon died at the school premises after being stabbed by two unknown men.

Police say it is alleged that the deceased was from school yesterday afternoon when he approached by the suspects.

“They stabbed him, and he ran back towards the school but the suspects continued stabbing him in the back. He collapsed and died on the school grounds,” said police spokesperson Inspector Dephney Dell.

The 21 year old boy was in a critical condition on arrival of paramedics and his condition deteriorated shortly after their arrival.

ER24’s Tristan Wadeley says hem went into cardiac arrest and they started advanced life support resuscitation.

“Unfortunately the resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and the boy was declared dead on the scene,” said Wadeley.

The motive for the attack is unknown and a murder case has been opened for investigation.

Value-for-money tertiary education

Higher Education South Africa says it is in the process of finalising guidelines aimed at assisting institutions make tuition fees affordable while ensuring quality of teaching and learning.

The guidelines also aim to provide student support and other services as well as the financial sustainability of the institutions.

HESA Executive Secretary, Marianne Hattingh is quoted as saying they are committed to affording deserving learners financial support as long as they met their respective tertiary institutions’ entry requirements.

Hatting says they want to strengthen institutional systems for detecting early warning signals on student performance as well as mechanisms for re-directing underperforming students to other areas of study.

HESA has also committed to giving special attention to broadening access for students from Quintile 1 schools, which are located in poor communities in extremely disadvantaged rural areas of the country.

Early this month, the 23 universities in the public higher education system made a commitment to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training that they would facilitate increased access to higher education and ensure that it remains affordable for most.

Two police members arrested for fraud and corruption

By Khanyisa Tabata28 January 2010 Two police member have been arrested in Grassy park and Fish Hoek for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Police spokesperson Superintend Andre Traut says it is suspected that the member, who also resides in Grassy Park, tipped drug dealers off prior to envisaged operations in return for payment.

“Our endeavours to root out corruption amongst our ranks in the Western Cape Police resulted in the arrest of two of our members this morning.

“Soon after his arrest, it was the turn of a 38 year old Fish Hoek inspector. He was arrested on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice”, said Superintended Andre Traut.

We will continue to investigate corruption perpetrated by our members, and will stop at nothing, until we are satisfied that the community is served by hard working, loyal and trustworthy members who shares the vision and the mission of SAPS added Traut.

Both members are detained until their court appearance tomorrow in Simons Town.

Obama urges “common sense” politics

US President Barack Obama has used his first State of the Nation address to regain ground lost after his worst political setback since taking office.

The speech occurs in the aftermath of the loss by his Democratic party of a pivotal Senate seat in Massachusetts.

He tapped into public discontent, stemming mainly from the still-struggling economy and a stubbornly high 10 per cent unemployment rate.

He said the American people expected Democrats and Republicans to work together to overcome the "numbing weight of our politics". Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it's time for something new, he said.

Four wanted for robbery in Durbanville

By Khanyisa Tabata28 January 2010

Durbanville police are requesting the assistance of the public in tracing four suspects involved in two robbery cases.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Bernice Laäs-Bezuidenhout says on Monday a male victim stopped his vehicle in his driveway in Columbine Street, Nerina in Durbanville, when two males approached him with firearms

“They took his wallet, 3 cellphones and watch to the value of R8100-00. The suspects fled on foot. A case of armed robbery was opened.

On Tuesday a male victim and his father stopped at their home in Shoshana Street in Kenridge when they were approached by two unknown males and told to lie down on the ground. Both suspects were armed with firearms and took a handbag, cellphone and cash, all to the value of R3000-00.

Laäs-Bezuidenhout added that the victims were asked to go into their home and keep quiet. The suspects then fled on foot.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of these suspects to please contact Inspector Marie Abrahams on 021 – 970 5600/07

Two killed and 18 injured in Melkbos collision

By Kim Saulse28 January 2010

A collision on the West Coast Road (R27) in Melkbos last night has left two people dead and eighteen bus passengers injured.

“The two occupants of the Jetta were dead on arrival of emergency services and needed to be cut from the mangled car. 18 people from the bus were taken to various hospitals for further treatment,” said ER24’s Tristan Wadeley.

One patient sustained serious injuries and the other seventeen patients sustained minor to moderate injuries.

The remaining occupants of the bus were transported from the scene in another bus.

The road was closed in both directions while emergency services worked on the scene. The collision is being investigated by police.

Western Cape College of Nursing closed until further notice

By Khanyisa Tabata28 January 2010

The Western Cape Department of Health and the management of Cape Peninsula University of Technology have agreed that Western Cape College of Nursing including its residence be closed until further notice with immediate effect.

Health Departmental spokesperson Faiza Styne says this id due to the student’s unrest that has led to the decision.

“The continuance of the R425 program will require all students to adhere to the rules and requirements of the WCCN/CPUT and the South African Nursing Council.

“The processes to follow will be made known to students,” said Fiaza Steyn.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Zuma assures investors and football fans

By Khanyisa Tabata27 January 2010 President Jacob Zuma has told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that sound macroeconomic policies, an effective regulatory environment and sustained political and social stability continue to make South Africa a candidate for even greater and faster economic growth.

Zuma says the growth will be underpinned by the Fifa Soccer World Cup.

His message was that South Africa was truly ready for business and for football fans from around the globe.

Zuma also informed the gathering that this year was an important year for the country, because it will be marking the 20th anniversary of the release of former President Nelson Mandela from prison.

He said the decades of the struggle against apartheid by South Africans, supported by Africa and the world, had yielded results.

First soccer event in new stadium records no major flaws

Last Saturday’s inaugural match at the new Cape Town Stadium between Ajax Cape Town and Santos has recorded no major flaws in planning and execution.

This is based on the “fantastic response” to the special event and the 20 000 match tickets that were made available and sold out, says the City of Cape Town.

“Stadium noise levels both inside and outside were measured and satisfactory health tests were done on food served at the stadium,” the city says in a statement.

The city says at the same time, safety and security incidents were logged.

“Only three law enforcement incidents and six traffic incidents were logged while Emergency Medical Services attended to 15 medical and seven trauma cases,” adds the city.

It says the lessons learnt from the test event will be applied to improve spectator experience and safety for the second test event to be held on the 06th of next month.

Meanwhile public opinion towards staging of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ remains overwhelmingly positive in the host nation South Africa, according to the latest market research conducted on FIFA’s behalf.

The findings from the fourth instalment of a six-wave survey suggest a strong emotional commitment to the tournament.

This is in particular a pronounced sense of pride (90%) in being the first African nation to host football’s premier event.

Surveying was conducted by international research company SPORT+MARKT immediately after the Final Draw in December also held in the city.

Of the perceived potential disadvantages of hosting the spectacular tournament, inflation remains the biggest concern for South African respondents.

About 70% of the respondents believe consumer goods will become more expensive as a result of the competition.

The 40 000 tickets available to spectators for the second test event of the 06th, featuring a Boland Invitational XV against the Vodacom Stormers, have already been sold out.

Western Cape traders meeting at Epping Market

Concerned Hawkers and Traders Association are expected to hold another meeting today to address the issue of eviction that has be looming for some months now.

Spokesperson for CHATA Mieshka Classier says situation for the Mitchell's Plain traders is still very uncertain. We still do not know when evictions could take place.

“We are worried that the City is merely using the workshop to pretend that they are consulting with us. We have found this to be the case elsewhere with other traders.

“The City uses negotiations to divide us and then comes right in to evict us. This is happening all over the Western Cape. There have been threats that a Law Enforcement operation will commence to evict us anytime next month,” said Mieshka Cassiem.

Our fate as hawkers is tied in with the fate of Epping Market. If we suffer, the economy of the Western Cape suffers as well added Cassiem.

Concerned Hawkers and Traders Association are expected to hold another meeting today to address the issue of eviction that has be looming for some months now. Spokesperson for CHATA Mieshka Classier says situation for the Mitchell's Plain traders is still very uncertain. We still do not know when evictions could take place.

Calls grow for nationalisation of Reserve Bank

The Congress of South African Trade Unions fully the supports the proposal in a report to the national executive committee of the ANC, that the Reserve Bank should be nationalised.

Cosatu says it is a dangerous anomaly that a body which should be protecting the public interest when it makes decisions on interest rates should be owned by a group of anonymous private shareholders.

In its reaction to comments by ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe that the nationalisation of the Bank could be discussed, the Reserve Bank has said its independence is entrenched in the country’s Constitution and it is not owned by anyone.

Meanwhile the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee has decided to keep the repo rate stable at seven-percent. Governor Gill Marcus made the announcement a short while ago.

The rate at which the Bank lends money to commercial banks has been left unchanged since September last year.

Most economists predicted that the rate would be left unchanged, despite demands for a lowering by trade unions and people in debt.

Transport Minister to announce festive season traffic stats today

This after an intensive Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign was executed at the start of the season.

550 000 vehicles were stopped and checked on the busiest roads in the country.

Close to 300 000 motorists were arrested for road offences ranging from drunken, reckless and negligent driving. 2 211 un-roadworthy vehicles were removed from the roads, including 1 100 buses and taxis.

Thousands of drivers were also fined for not wearing seatbelts and committing other offences.

The minister is expected to speak on plans to intensify the Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

This will be done through the traffic law enforcement plan and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (ARRTO).

Tourists robbed in Camps Bay

Police are seeking the assistance of the public in tracing two suspects involved in a robbery case in Camps Bay.

A 32 year old German tourist has reported a house robbery that occurred this morning at about 04h30 at a guest house in Sedgemore Road, Camps Bay.

Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk says the complainant alleged that he woke-up and found two unknown men in his bedroom. The one suspect was armed with a firearm and the other with two knives.

Van Wyk says they tied his hands in front with an electric cord then robbed him of 100 Euros and R3000 cash. They also took his laptop computer, video camera, digital camera and two cellular phones, said police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk.

“It appears that the suspects gained access to the house through a kitchen window. It is unknown how they fled the scene.

“The complainant alleged that he came from his room to alert the police after the house became very quiet. Three other male German tourist who all slept in different rooms, were not aware of the alleged incident. They only woke up after the police arrived at the scene at about 04h50. They all arrived in Cape Town yesterday and intend to be in town for a few days,” said police spokesperson Captain van Wyk.

The complainant did not sustain physical injury during the incident and also declined trauma counseling that was offered by police added van Wyk.

Interest rates expected to remain unchanged

Most economists say the Reserve Bank is likely to hold interest rates steady when its policy meeting ends tomorrow.

This is despite the fact that figures to be released on Wednesday are set to show that inflation breached its official target range for the first time in three months.

Only a few economists are expecting a half a percentage point lowering of the repo rate to six-and-a-half-percent tomorrow.

Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance says tomorrow’s decision on interest rates by the Monetary Policy Committee should not be influenced by political considerations, but rather by the Reserve Bank’s constitutional mandate.

The party’s shadow minister on Finance Dion George says media reports on fresh attempts by members of the ANC’s National Executive Committee to undermine the independence of the Reserve Bank are unacceptable.

George says the independence of the Reserve Bank is crucial to the overall financial stability and low inflation, he says higher inflation hurts the entire economy, especially the poor.

“Any undue influence on the Bank would translate to outcomes that severely restrict the efficiency of the Bank in fighting inflation,” George said.

The opposition party says it will always protect the independence of institutions such as the Reserve Bank that serve a greater interest than immediate populist calls.

Adrian Goslett, Assistant Regional Director for RE/MAX of Southern Africa says the positive impact of lower interest rates is however still trickling down to the consumer.

“Even through rates remain unchanged for now, mortgage repayments are still 23,8% lower than late last year when the interest rate hovered around the 15% mark,” said Goslett.

“They arrested two males aged 21 and 43 in a white VW Golf after confiscating two concealed boxes filled with four packets of heroin and a huge total of Mandrax tablets.

“Follow-up information led them to a storage facility in the Airport Industrial area where they found six more boxes containing more Mandrax tablets”, said police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk.

In total they confiscated eight boxes containing about 53 500 Mandrax tablets and 1 kg of heroin with a street value of about 2,5 million Rand added van Wyk.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Situation in Haiti remains critical

By Khanyisa Tabata24 January 2010

The humanitarian situation in Haiti is still dire following the devastating earthquake of 11 days ago and UN troops had to fire warning shots and spray tear gas on survivors after a food delivery to hundreds of them spiralled out of control.

The distribution of food, soybean oil, water and radios at a former military airfield began calmly, but things soon got out of control as people began to fight over the supplies.

Things got so bad that soldiers eventually simply left a pile of food and radios for the crowd to fight over.

Mthethwa hits back at Gun Owners of SA

By Khanyisa Tabata24 January 2010

Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa has hit back at statements made by Gun Owners of SA against the ministry for not paying compensation to people who willingly hand over their firearms to police between January 11 and April 11.

The Minister says Section 137 of the Firearms Control Act only provides for compensation to be considered in cases where the registrar decides to keep the forfeited firearms for use by the state.

Mthethwa was responding to statements made by Gosa, in which the organisation accused him of avoiding paying compensation to gun owners.

DA criticises Police Day event

The Democratic Alliance criticised the Police Ministry for an upcoming National Police Day event.

DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard officials in several provinces have raised concerns with the DA over the enormous cost of the event, which will include meals, accommodation, transport and entertainment.

“We understand that numerous station commissioners are fuming over the likely impact on crime-fighting operations over the three days when officers are away.

“In Langa Police Station, for instance, the event will apparently leave just 20 of the station's 80 active officers on duty.

We will submit parliamentary questions to establish the exact costs of this event at the very first opportunity, and we will ask the Minister of Police to justify an event that clearly carries with it so many untenable costs.

First soccer game in Cape Town stadium goes off well

By Khanyisa Tabata24 January 2010

Cape Town police are satisfied with the execution of their operational plan during yesterday’s Cape Town Stadium opening match with Santos and Ajax having the honour of playing the first game at the stadium.

One-thousand-and-seventy-six members were deployed in and around the stadium.

They only made a few arrests for being under the influence of liquor in public, possession of small amounts of dagga and possession of suspected stolen goods.

Santos won a penalty shoot-out 6-5 after normal time ended in a goalless draw

State refuses to withdraw subpoenas against journalists

By Khanyisa Tabata23 January 2010

E.tv says the State has refused to withdraw subpoenas against two of the channel's journalists.

Group news editor Ben Said and reporter Mpho Lakaje will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, should e.tv not hand over information about an interview with two suspected criminals who threatened to commit crimes during the Soccer World Cup.

Police have arrested one of the suspects.

Meanwhile The Professional Journalists Association has opposed the police attempts to force e.tv to hand over footage of two suspected criminals.

Spokesperson Raymond Joseph is quoted as saying it was the duty of journalists to protect the identity of their sources, despite the possible consequences.

MISSING CHILD ALERT

She was last seen on Thursday at her home at 42 Netball Street, Beacon Valley in Mitchells Plain.

She had been sent to the shop earlier during the day.

Edwina Hendricks is described as being 1.2 m tall, with short black hair, broad forehead, broad nose, round chin, thin lips, flat ears and is dark of complexion with black eyes.

She was wearing a blue school tracksuit and white t-shirt imprinted with “Mighty Meters”.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Edwina Hendricks is asked to contact the investigating officer detective inspector Charles Julies of the Mitchells Plain police at 021 3701706/ 073 804 2000.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Youth league to face lawsuit for hate speech

The Democratic Alliance has lodged a complaint with the Equality Court against Mpumalanga provincial ANC Youth League.

The complaint is against provincial secretary Isaac Mahlangu, for hate speech and intimidation.

Earlier this week, Mahlangu threatened a national newspaper over a report on alleged corruption, by reportedly saying: “We want to give them a warning: the machine gun is hot and ready”.

Mahlangu also reportedly stated: “Our machine guns are ready if there is any deviation: You better not register an address in the graveyard sooner than your Handler anticipated.”

DA leader in Mpumalanga Anthony Benadie says the party will ask the police to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile according to an internal report, the ANC admits that “something is bound to give” if tensions between it and the South African Communist Party are not defused.

The report has been seen by the media.

In the report the party raises this alarm, which has surfaced at the same time as the alliance partners close ranks against public concern.

This is after some ANC delegates were booed at the communists’ special congress.

Prepared by national executive committee member and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale, the report warns that optimistic public posturing should not distract the party from resolving inter-party problems honestly.

However party secretary general Gwede Mantashe and Sewale were openly at odds on Wednesday over Sexwale's report. Mantashe, said in a statement it was unfortunate that Sexwale had opted to take on a fight on a non-issue.

Joint taxi operation in Long Street netts 19 arrests

By Kim Saulse22 January 2010

A joint operation by Cape Town police and other law enforcement agencies,aimed at curbing private taxi operators, from operating without valid drivers licences, public driving permits and other offences netted 19 arrests last night.

92 vehicles were stopped and 11 fines, valued at R30 000 were issued to taxi owners for allowing drivers to render a service without a valid work permit.

“32 drivers were fined for not having a valid SA drivers licence and not being in possession of a PDP (Public Drivers Permits ) valued at R 10 000. 18 arrests under the Immigration Act was dealt with by the Immigration Officers and the South African Police Service,” says Captain Frederick van Wyk.

Another suspect, linked to a Cape Town rape case was also arrested.

Van Wyk added that operations of this nature will continue as police attempt to combat illegal activities by private taxi owners.

Two robbery suspects arrested during patrol operations

Two robbery suspects were arrested just an hour after the other by traffic officers yesterday afternoon.

In the first incident, while the officers were on patrol in the Lansdowne area they noticed a man running past their vehicle along Hillstar Avenue, carrying what looked like a woman’s bag.

In a statement Merle Lourens Traffic Services Chief Inspector, says a security guard from Sehala Protective Services was in pursuit.

“One officer joined the guard on foot and gave chase when the suspect threw the bag over a wall and jumped over the canal,” Lourens said.

Lourens says the suspect was finally apprehended in Plantation Road.

Less than an hour later, another traffic officer patrolling Modderdam Road near the N2 southbound stopped a motorcycle because only the passenger was wearing a helmet.

It was then found that the driver was not licensed to drive the motorcycle, which did not have a number plate.

The licence disc had expired in September last year and it had been reported stolen earlier that month in the Cape Town city centre.With the assistance of the South African Police Services (SAPS), both suspects were taken to the police station.

Baby’s body found in sewerage

Municipal workers made a gruesome discovery this morning when they discover the body of a baby at the Zookovlei sewerage.

The workers immediately notified the police.

Inspector Ian Liebowitz says they could not determine the age and the gender of the child at the scene.

The body was taken to a state mortuary to examine the cause of death.

“Grassy Park police are appealing to anyone with any information with regard to the incident or the whereabouts of the mother to contact Detective Sergeant Leslene Williams on 021 700 3911 or 079 494 4248,” urged Liebowitz.

Alleged police assault at Nersa hearings

By Kim Saulse22 January 2010

Activists from Earthlife and the Anti-privatisation Forum say they were assaulted and arrested at the National Energy Regulator’s public hearings into Eskom’s proposed tariff hikes in Midrand yesterday.

They say posters they placed on the venue’s walls were torn down by security guards.

When they complained about being refused entry to the hall, police were called.

Three activists were arrested on charges of public violence and resisting arrest.

City’s new transport system makes debut at Soccer Festival

By Kim Saulse22 January 2010

Saturday’s inaugural match at the Cape Town Stadium between Ajax Cape Town and Santos will not only be the first test of operations at the stadium itself, but will also be the first test for Cape Town’s Transport System that is being developed for the World Cup.

During this event, starting at 2 o’ clock on Saturday, a Park-and-Ride system will be implemented where spectators will be transported from the parking areas to the stadium and back by a shuttle bus service.

“Spectators who have not purchased pre-paid parking tickets to park at the stadium are strongly encouraged to park in the city centre and use the dedicated free shuttle service to the stadium, which will run from 12:00 to 19:30,” says City spokesperson Pieter Cronje.

Only pre-paid parking ticket holders will be allowed to park at the Cape Town Stadium. This also applies to any buses and minibus taxis that do not have pre-paid parking tickets.

Secure free parking areas, which will be clearly indicated, will be available on the Foreshore area.

“The free shuttle bus service will run from Hertzog Boulevard, which is within easy walking distance from the parking areas.

Only ticket holders for the match will be allowed on the shuttle buses.

This is also conveniently located for those that use public transport at the Cape Town Station, Station Deck and the Golden Arrow Bus Terminus.

Security will be provided at the shuttle bus access points,” says Cronje.

The City has appealed to match-goers to be patient and understanding as the new transport system makes its debut.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Human Rights complaint about township toilets

By Kim Saulse21 January 2010

The African National Congress Youth League in the Western Cape has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission after revelations that residents of Makhaza section in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, are forced to use toilets without walls.

The residents say they have to cover themselves with blankets when they use the toilets because they were built without walls.

The Youth League’s Chumile Sali says the situation is, as he puts it, “equal to crimes against humanity”.

City Residents advised to use solar water heaters in order to save electricity

By Ofentse Mokae21 January 2010

Amid escalating electricity prices, city residents have been advised to install solar water heaters which could see them save up to 30% of the electricity usage.

The warn was made by City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Alderman Clive Justus, saying this is because a traditional electrical geyser uses between 30% and 50% of all power consumed in the home.

Justus says it makes sound economic and environmental sense to replace the geyser with a solar water heater especially in South Africa which is blessed with strong sunlight all year round.

Justus also said residents could apply for subsidies from the city to pay for the installation which costs between R12 000 and R35 000.

“However, this system could produce savings of some R300 per month or about R3 600 per year, thus the capital cost could be paid off in a few years,” said Justus.

Justus says this could be even sooner if the price of electricity continues to spiral at the rates currently proposed by Eskom.

A solar heater is a collector panel through which water passes in order to be heated by the sun.

It feeds into an insulated geyser where the hot water is stored for use.

Solar panels should be placed on a North-facing roof for maximum exposure to sunlight.

Most systems include electrical backup for use during periods of high demand for hot water or minimal hours of sunlight.

Table View police seek information in murder case

A 49 year old man was found dead in his Table View residence on Saturday.On arrival, police found the man lying in the lounge, fully clothed, with pillows under his head.

The body had no visible injuries and according to police had been deceased for a few days.

“After investigation, the detectives from Table View police, were informed by the deceased son, that his dad’s white Volkswagen Caddy LDV, as well as other household items were gone,” said Inspector Elizabeth Munro.

The victims girlfriend, a 24 year old woman, from Strand, was contacted and it was revealed that she was in possession of the stolen items and vehicle.

“When Table View detectives contacted Strand police to assist them in the questioning of this 24 year old woman, they learned that Strand was looking for the same lady, in a similar modes operandi case, which occurred in Strand,” said Munro.

An inquest and theft of a motor vehicle case was opened. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Detective Inspector Laurens on 082 6826 281 or Table View police on (021)521-3300/08.

Police officer arrested for corruption

A 42 year old police inspector stationed at the Lansdowne Police station, will appear at the Athlone Magistrate Court today on a charge of corruption.

Superintendent Andre Traut says the member was an investigating officer of a case that was withdrawn by the court.

The officer then allegedly conned the suspect into paying an admission of guilt fine of R500.

“It is alleged that the member was the investigating officer of a case which was withdrawn by the court, however he made the suspect in the matter believe that an admission of guilt fine of R 500-00 was imposed on the case, which the suspect subsequently paid,” says Superintendant Andre Traut.

Following an investigation into the circumstances of the case, a warrant for the member’s arrest was issued, which was executed yesterday.Andre Traut says corruption and crime will not be tolerated in their ranks.

“Corruption, or any crime for that matter will not be tolerated amongst our ranks, and we will not hesitate to arrest members of SAPS and prosecute them in a court of law,” says Traut.

Balanced investment in infrastructure needed at Eskom, city says

During their hearings conducted at the Good Hope Centre in the city today, energy regulator NERSA heard concerns and received submissions regarding Eskom’s application for a tariff increase.

This forms part of the energy regulator’s country-wide hearings on Eskom’s application for electricity price increase over the next three years.

These hearings are held in addition to the call for written submissions on the tariff increase.

On top of the city’s written submission, Cape Town deputy Mayor Alderman Ian Neilson presented the municipality’s concerns regarding the tariff increase.

Neilson warned against an abnormally high infrastructure investment to increase generation capacity at Eskom.

Nielson said this is to the detriment of investment in other services or infrastructure and in other spheres of government.

“If investment in infrastructure is not balanced across all services, the shift of funding away from investment in other services would cause these services to hinder future economic growth,” Neilson said.

Neilson also warned that tariffs for the poor or those using a smaller amount of power must not be artificially suppressed.

Meanwhile the city’s mayoral committee member for Utility services Alderman Clive Justus, urged residents to consider solar water heater installation which could save up to 30% of the electricity usage in an average household while reducing harmful carbon emissions.

“This is because a traditional electrical geyser uses between 30% and 50% of all power consumed in the home,” Justus said.

Woman's body found in suitcase in Strand

The body of a 65 year old has been found under her bed on a suit case in Strand. The suit case was found hidden under her bed inside her flat at Welgeleegen Flats.

Police say the flat was ransacked draws and doors of the ward robes and cupboard were widely opened, clothes linen thrown on the floor.

“According to the neighbours she was last seen on Saturday. She was a well known pianist in the Welgeleegen Flats.

“We suspect that she could have been murdered on Sunday, because her body was about to decompose. The preliminary investigation indicates that she could have been choked to deprive her air to breathe”, said police spokesperson Inspector Olebogeng Godfrey Tawana.

Tawana added that this stage they are not sure what contents and the house belongings are missing or stolen from her house. A 25 year old woman from Table View has been arrested in connection with the murder.

She was arrested inside the deceased’s flat. The suspect wanted to withdraw R 2000. 00 from the deceased bank account fraudulently. The arrested suspect will appear in the Strand magistrate’s court on Friday on charges of murder, theft and fraud

Drug and stolen items confiscated in Woodstock

By Nomava Nobumba20 January 2010

Six Woodstock residents are behind bars after they were caught with drugs and suspected stolen items.

Four men aged between ages of 21 and 49 and a 37 year old woman were arrested yesterday afternoon during an operation conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies, in Wright street Woodstock.

“During the searching of the premises we confiscated 13 mandrax tablets, five parcels of dagga, one plastic bank bag filled with tik-tik drugs, sound equipment, a plasma screen television and a substantial amount of cash. We also recovered a 22 rifle abandoned at one of the premises,” he said.

Sergeant Malila says the value of confiscated items is about 15- thousand rands.

The suspects will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court tomorrow for charges of drug dealing and possession of stolen items.